The McKinney-Vento Act of 1986 is a federal law that defines homeless children as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” If you live in any of the following situations you may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal act:

• In a shelter

• In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternate adequate accommodation

• In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus/train station

• Doubled up with other people due to the loss of housing or economic hardship

• Receive a free, appropriate public education

• Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment

• Enroll in school and attend class while the school gathers needed documents

• Enroll in the local school or continue attending their school or origin if that is their preference and is feasible (if the school district believes that the school selected is not in the student’s best interest due to distance or other reasons, then the district must provide a written explanation and inform of rights to appeal its decision)

• Receive transportation to and from school of origin, if requested

• Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students according to student’s needs

If you have any question about eligibility for services or need assistance accessing resources, please contact:

Candi Mazza - McKinney Vento Liaison at 217-324-3514 extension 1007 for grades PreK- 12

For more facts and info, review our fact sheet here:

 McKinney Vento Fact Sheet Litchfield CUSD #12

Educational Rights of Children & Youth in Homeless Situations

Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program

US Department of Education Homeless Federal Law